FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of this study?
How will the public be involved?
What are the different phases of the study?
How can I have a voice in the plan?

What is the goal of this study?

The goal of the Redevelopment Master Plan is to improve the appearance of the Cleveland corridor and to encourage private investment and quality redevelopment in the corridor. The plan will guide the policy and actions of the City of Fort Myers, the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency and the Community Redevelopment Authority in the Cleveland Avenue area. Specifically, the plan will provide guidance on how funds from the four existing redevelopment districts along Cleveland Avenue should be spent to improve the corridor. The plan will address land use, beautification, economic development, transportation improvements, and area character. The study area encompasses approximately ¼ - ½ mile east and west of Cleveland Avenue with predominantly commercial uses along the corridor.

How will the public be involved?

Several approaches to public engagement are included as part of the project. They include:

- A Steering Committee that will meet regularly with the planning team and Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency (FMRA) staff.

The Steering Committee consists of property and business owners, city staff, and neighborhood representatives.

The Steering Committee will have the opportunity to take a more detailed look at the planning effort and provide in-depth guidance throughout the process.

- The broader community will have an opportunity to participate through a series of public sessions.

The first of which will be a community kick-off and visioning session in early January.

The public sessions will also include a half day community workshop.

All public meetings are open to anyone interested in the future of Cleveland Avenue.

- In addition, the planning team will conduct interviews with business and civic leaders with interests along Cleveland Avenue. These stakeholder interviews will allow individuals with specialized knowledge or expertise to contribute to the plan.

Once the plan is finalized, it will be presented to the community in an Open House meeting then reviewed and adopted by the Community Redevelopment Agency board.

What are the different phases of the study?

The plan has three phases:

- Phase I: Understanding the Community
- Phase II: Design and Plan Concepts
- Phase III: Documenting the Vision

Each phase encourages public participation throughout the planning process as the Redevelopment Master Plan evolves from broad ideas to specific implementation actions.

Phase I

Phase I (November- January) is called “Understanding the Community.” During this phase, the consultants and FMRA staff will gather background information on the Cleveland Avenue corridor and begin their analysis of this information. This phase ends with two major public meetings, one with the Steering Committee and one with the general public. These first public meetings will be used to gather general direction from the public in terms of vision and scoping out the key issues the plan is to address. At the same time, these meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn the early outcomes of the Phase I analysis and see the general direction of the plan.

Phase II

Phase II (February – June) is called “Design and Plan Concepts.” During this phase, different plan scenarios will be explored until a preferred scenario is selected. The planning team will create two or more scenarios for the corridor in very broad outline. The public will be provided the opportunity to give feedback during an intense community work session, where new ideas and revisions from the public will be discussed. Finally, the various ideas will be synthesized into a single preferred scenario for the corridor. Early recommendations and implementation projects will be introduced during this phase.

Phase III

Phase III (July – August) is called “Documenting the Vision.” During this phase, the details of the Redevelopment Action Plan will be established. Details in the plan, such as how specific projects can be implemented, will be addressed. The final review will occur during this phase, with the public, the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, and other entities able to comment on the plan before it is finalized.

How can I have a voice in the plan?

The best way to help shape the plan is to attend one or more of the public meetings. However, if you are unable to attend the meetings or have additional comments, please contact Leigh Scrabis, the Project Manager for the Cleveland Corridor Study. Mrs. Scrabis can be reached at:

Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency
1400 Jackson Street, Suite 102
Fort Myers, Florida 33901

Phone (239) 332-6813
Fax (239) 332-6659
E-mail: lscrabis@cityftmyers.com

City of Fort Myers Harborside Imaginarium SW FL Museum of History SW FL Enterprise Center Police Fire